The Housing Authority of Fiji is partnering with the Ministry of Housing to roll out a targeted grant scheme for people living in informal settlements who relocate to Housing Authority–developed subdivisions. Eligible applicants could receive up to 30,000 in government grants to cover both land and housing costs, a package the authorities say is designed to accelerate the move from informal settlements into formal, affordable homes.
Acting Chief Executive Poasa Verevakabau outlined the scheme during a submission to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, noting that the government has prepared a package that combines land and house components for informal settlement residents. “For informal settlement buyers, they will get around 30,000 as a grant,” he explained, emphasizing that the product is a packaged offering rather than a standard purchase grant.
Public interest in the new product has surged, with many prospective homeowners seeking to take advantage of the low-cost terms. In addition to the grant package, the Housing Authority rolled out an interest loan program in June for low-income applicants. Individuals earning under 30,000 annually can access home loans at interest rates as low as 2 percent for the first five years, after which the rate shifts to a 4 percent variable rate. For those earning between 30,000 and 50,000, the program offers a 3.5 percent fixed rate with a 6 percent variable rate thereafter.
Context from related housing initiatives shows a broader government push to improve access to affordable housing. The Housing Authority recently reintroduced its Village Housing Loan Scheme to support rural and maritime communities, including funding for safe, resilient homes, renovations, village hall upgrades, and cyclone-proofing. The government has also signaled continued support for first-time homebuyers, with grants and other incentives tied to income levels and broader budget allocations aimed at formalizing informal settlements and expanding housing stock.
Looking ahead, officials say the combination of the new informal-settlement grant, the low-interest loan options, and ongoing programs to formalize settlements and assist first-time buyers could significantly improve housing security for many Fiji families. The efforts are part of a sustained government focus on reducing informality and expanding legitimate homeownership opportunities, promoting community resilience and economic stability.
Summary: A new Fiji government package ties a 30,000 grant for informal-settlement relocations to Housing Authority subdivisions with a low-interest loan scheme (2 percent for under 30,000 income earners for five years, then 4 percent) and a separate 3.5 percent fixed rate (with a 6 percent variable rate) for those earning 30,000–50,000. The move complements existing schemes aimed at formalizing settlements and boosting first-time homeownership, signaling a broader push toward affordable, secure housing nationwide.
Optional notes for editors:
– Consider adding a brief explainer on how the land-and-house package will be administered (application process, timelines, and title transfer steps) to help readers understand the path from eligibility to relocation.
– Include a sidebar on related programs (Village Housing Loan Scheme revival, first-time homebuyer grants by income tier, and VAT refunds for construction and solar upgrades) to provide readers with a clear map of available supports.
– Monitor for updates on uptake and any implementation challenges, such as capacity in Housing Authority subdivisions, infrastructure readiness, and delivery timelines for relocated families.
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